THE PANGOLIN

A solitary animal, pangolins are nocturnal and remain in their burrows during the day. All pangolins are able to roll themselves into a ball to defend themselves, and it takes considerable force to unroll their protective horny, overlapping scales. Although pangolins gather up surface ants and termites, termite nests provide larger and more concentrated sources of food. They will generally walk a few miles each night, but tend to use the same burrow for many months.

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS

The hippopotamus, whose hide alone can weigh half a ton, is the third-largest living land mammal, after elephants and white rhinos.

It spends most of the day under water, to protect itself from sunlight and heat. After sunset it leaves the water to look for food. A typical hippo-herd consists of 5-20 members lead by an old male, and each and every one respects the solid hierarchy established within the group. Young males often have to fight hard in order to get respect and a higher position in the group.

The large hippo is an aggressive animal; old scars and fresh, deep wounds are signs of daily fights that are accompanied by much bellowing, neighing and snorting. Hippos have developed some ritualized postures the huge open-mouthed "yawn" that reveals formidable teeth is one of the most aggressive. With the long, razor-sharp incisors and tusk-like canines, the hippo is well-armed and dangerous.